The person who took flags from Mansfield’s Field of Honor has been identified and some of the flags recovered, according to Det. Sgt. Michael Ellsworth.Five of the American flags standing along West Street at the Keach Memorial were taken Saturday night, June 9.Missing from the field are new flags for the police, firefighters and POW/MIAs, a flag honoring the Navy and a flag honoring an individual.The theft prompted outrage in the community expressed on social media and attracted television news coverage.“Officer Michael Fitzgerald got a lead through old-fashioned police work and information from the community,” Ellsworth said.Police identified a suspect who admitted to the theft and expressed remorse, Ellsworth said. The suspect is a Mansfield resident with mental health issues, he said. The department’s Problem-Orientated Police program is attempting to direct the suspect to services.No charges have been filed at this time.Ellsworth said the department understands why the community was so upset by the theft and wanted residents to know the person was identified. He praised the hard work of the Field of Honor volunteers who make the display possible.“It’s important for the public to understand we appreciate and respect the Field of Honor and wanted to find and charge the person responsible for degrading such good work,” Ellsworth said. “But sometimes it’s more important to assist people.”Each May, the Field of Honor features a display of American flags sponsored by individuals, businesses and organizations in honor of military personnel, veterans, police and firefighters. The Field of Honor has raised $42,500 for the Mansfield’s veterans’ fund. The display ends June 16.“You have to be pretty low to disrespect our veterans, police, firefighters, and heroes,” Field of Honor committee member Jeri Rumsis said. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

MANSFIELD, Mass. —

The person who took flags from Mansfield’s Field of Honor has been identified and some of the flags recovered, according to Det. Sgt. Michael Ellsworth.

Five of the American flags standing along West Street at the Keach Memorial were taken Saturday night, June 9.

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Missing from the field are new flags for the police, firefighters and POW/MIAs, a flag honoring the Navy and a flag honoring an individual.

The theft prompted outrage in the community expressed on social media and attracted television news coverage.

“Officer Michael Fitzgerald got a lead through old-fashioned police work and information from the community,” Ellsworth said.

Police identified a suspect who admitted to the theft and expressed remorse, Ellsworth said. The suspect is a Mansfield resident with mental health issues, he said. The department’s Problem-Orientated Police program is attempting to direct the suspect to services.

No charges have been filed at this time.

Ellsworth said the department understands why the community was so upset by the theft and wanted residents to know the person was identified. He praised the hard work of the Field of Honor volunteers who make the display possible.

“It’s important for the public to understand we appreciate and respect the Field of Honor and wanted to find and charge the person responsible for degrading such good work,” Ellsworth said. “But sometimes it’s more important to assist people.”

Each May, the Field of Honor features a display of American flags sponsored by individuals, businesses and organizations in honor of military personnel, veterans, police and firefighters. The Field of Honor has raised $42,500 for the Mansfield’s veterans’ fund. The display ends June 16.

“You have to be pretty low to disrespect our veterans, police, firefighters, and heroes,” Field of Honor committee member Jeri Rumsis said. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”